Joe Grant Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless
Arc’teryx athlete, Joe Grant chats with Ian about his recovery from the Iditarod Trail Invitational and about he is excited to once again to return to La Palma.
Joe has the advantage over much of the competition to have experienced the Transvulcania course before. In 2012 he raced well to place just outside the top 10. He hope to improve on that this year….!
YouTube HERE
Links:
Timothy Olson Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless
Timothy Olson has been on the island of La Palma for nearly two weeks now and he has loved every moment exploring. Early in 2013 he placed second behind Sage Canaday at Tarawera in New Zealand and just recently he raced at Lake Sonoma. A few niggles with his knees have caused some concerns in recent weeks but we all hope that he is in full health on Saturday.
YouTube HERE
Links:
Adam Campbell, Arc’teryx Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless
Arc’teryx athlete Adam Campbell talks to Ian ahead of the 2013 Transvulcania La Palma. He discusses the race course, the competition and Arc’teryx.
Adam loves competition and revels the opportunity to race the best in the world. His running goals are to seek out interesting challenges in inspiring settings. A lifelong traveler and racer, Adam’s new belief is: if you are going to be suffering, you might as well suffer somewhere beautiful!
YouTube link HERE
Links:
Fernanda Maciel, The North Face – copyright Ian Corless
When I’m running on the top of the mountains or canoeing in the middle of the sea, I feel small as nothing…but yet I feel the highest sensation of freedom and peace, free spirit. I’m Brazilian, from the waterfalls and little mountains, Minas Gerais, my roots. I live in the Spanish Pyrenees’s mountains today, Coll de Nargó. I’ve worked as environmental lawyer, in recycle’s projects, international ONG Outward Bound (outdoor education), running Adventure Race… that means, working and teaching to protect the nature. My passion is for the forest, the mountains, the beaches and the rivers, to be there and take care of that. Move…positive.
I caught up with The North Face athlete, Fernanda Maciel less than 48 hours to the start of the 2013, Skyrunning Ultra, Transvulcania La Palma.
*apologies for the focus glitch at the end of the clip but I wanted leave the audio content as I felt it was important what Fernanda said.
Video on YouTube: HERE
Links:
Press conference Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless
Fernanda Maciel, Timothy Olson, Emelie Forsberg, Kilian Jornet, Nuria Picas, Anton Krupicka and Luis Alberto Hernando attended the 2013 Transvulcania La Palma press conference at Hotel Sol Palma on the morning of Thursday May 9th.
It was a buzz of activity as press from all over the world discussed the exciting prospect of the battles that would unfold on the beautiful trails of La Palma.
Timothy Olson Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless
Timothy Olson, “I am just excited to be able to race in Europe. I have spent many days in the last two weeks running the trails here and it is fantastic. A beautiful island and beautiful trails”.
Anton Krupicka Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless
Anton Krupicka was in La Palma for the 2012 edition of the race but was unable to race. “I am thrilled to be back” he said, “I decided last year when I watched the race that I would return and test myself on this course. It’s a course that just makes so much sense and of course, it is beautiful”.
Fernanda Maciel Transvulcania 2013 copyright Ian Corless
As we all know, Anna Frost will not be running in the 2013 edition of the race. Fernanda Maciel, Emelie Forsberg and Nuria Picas all expressed sadness that the 2012 winner and course record holder would not be able to race.
Nuria Picas Transvulcania 2013 copyright Ian Corless
Emelie said, “Of course we are sad. I have raced and run with Anna so much. Not to have her with us is a great shame but a priority for Anna is that she gets well and thinks about running and running well into the future”.
Emelie Forsberg Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless
Luis Alberto Hernando had some laughs with the press and Kilian Jornet at the prospect of running his first ultra against some of the best in the world. Kilian also smiled and teased his sparring partner. It will be great to see how this battle unfolds.
Kilian Jornet Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless
Luis Alberto Hernando Transvulcania 2013 – copyright Ian Corless
A common bond was expressed by all. Transvulcania is a beautiful race on a beautiful island. In just 48 hours runners will be spread all over the 83km’s of the GR131 between Fuencaliente and Los Llanos and we will be rewarded with two new champions.
Follow @talkultra on Twitter and Talk Ultra on Facebook for updates.
copyright Ian Corless
Joe Grant with Ian Sharman at the 2012 edition of the race – copyright Ian Corless
TWO months after conquering 350 miles of frozen wilderness in Alaska, hardcore inov-8 athlete Joe Grant is preparing to make his racing comeback – this time on much drier ground.
The 29-year-old overcame exhaustion and pain to smash the epic Iditarod Trail Invitational – an event described by organisers as the world’s longest human powered winter ultra-marathon – in just six days.
Now, fired up by his joint-second place finish in Alaska, Joe is ready to go head-on with the rest of the planet’s elite mountain runners this summer.
His first assignment is this weekend’s 52-mile Transvulcania ultra-marathon monster on the island of La Palma in the Atlantic Ocean.
The gruelling race, which features 4,415m of elevation gain over volcanic and technical terrain, is the first in the Skyrunner world ultra series and, as a result, the entry list is stacked with extreme talent.
Joe placed joint 11th on La Palma last year before recording an outstanding second-place finish at the 2012 Hardrock 100-mile race in the US – achievements he wants to better this year.
“I’m super excited to kick off the skyrunning season with this now classic race in the series,” said Joe, who was born in Oxford in the UK, raised in France and Spain, and now lives in Colorado, US.
“The course is spectacular, the crowds are fantastic and the race is about as competitive as it gets.
“Following the ITI (Iditarod Trail Invitational), I went to Japan and trained hard while I was there.
“I’m feeling fit and ready to race.
“Knowing the course is also helpful, and I hope to improve on last year’s time and place.
“Transvulcania will set me up nicely in preparation for the Hardrock 100, which takes place in July.”
Joe will wear shoes from inov-8’s trailroc™ and roclite™ ranges to race over trails and mountains across the world in 2013.
He added: “The super-lightweight trailroc 235s will be spot on for this weekend’s tough course.
Links
copyright Ian Corless
I have decided not to race Transvulcania. An obvious decision, but a hard one to make out loud and on paper. But what is important is that I am healthy. That I can explore without pain, without further damage. I will take pleasure in watching my friends and fellow trail runners challenge themselves in such a beautiful race. I will enjoy the islands beauty with my bike and in the ocean, hoping to gather up some energy from the land to move my injury on. To find new strength and direction for the long season ahead.
Good Luck to all who are racing. Look up and face the challenge!
Needless to say, this is sad news for the race and all involved in the 2013 edition of the Transvulcania La Palma. Without doubt, ‘Frosty’s’ health and onward health is the most important thing and I hope you all along with myself will wish her the very best and a speedy recovery.
copyright Ian Corless
Anna made a full post on iRunFar which you can read HERE
Just five days to go to the 2013 Transvulcania La Palma on the island of La Palma in the Canaries. Without doubt one of the racing highlights of the 2013 calendar. It is a who’s who of ultra running and here is the current confirmed line up for May 11th.
Make sure you follow all the race build up by Talk Ultra. I will be uploading images and commentary to Facebook, Twitter and this website. In addition, I will be conducting pre race audio and video interviews.
On race day we will keep you informed of all the action, phone connections allowing. Rest assured, we will be providing all the information and excitement as this iconic event unfolds.
Mohamad Ahansal – UVU
Nicola Bassi – Vibram
Jennifer Benna – Hoka One One
Patrick Bringer
Miguel Caballero – La Sportiva
Adam Campbell – Arc’teryx
Sage Canaday – Scott Sports
Cameron Clayton – Salomon
Sylvain Couchaud – New Balance
Yann Curien – Sigvaris Trail
Francois D’Haene – Salomon
Nuria Dominguez
Emelie Forsberg – Salomon
Uxue Fraile – Adidas
Anna Frost – Salomon *Anna will not race see HERE
Maud Gobert – Adidas *update 7th May, Maud will not race
Lidia Gomez – Studio54, Helly Hansen, Team A
Joe Grant – Inov-8
Miguel Heras – Salomon Santiveri *update 7th May, Miguel will not race
Luis Alberto Hernando – Adidas Trail Running
Zigor Iturrieta
Dave James
Kilian Jornet Burgada – Salomon Santiveri
Anton Krupicka – New Balance
Emelie Lecomte – Quechua
Thomas Lorblanchet – Team Asics
Fernanda Maciel – The North Face
Giuseppe Marazzi – Vibram
Nathalie Mauclair – Lafuma France
Sebastien Nain – Vibram
Luke Nelson – Patagonia Ultra Running Team
Santiago Obaya
Timothy Olson – The North Face
Nuria Picas – FEEC/Buff
Yanis A Povea
Philipp Reiter – Salomon
Gustavo Reyes – Salomon
Stefano Ruzza – Vibram
Karine Sanson
Armando Teixeira – Salomon Portugal
Xavier Thevenard – Team Asics Trail
Sean Van Court – Vibram
Information
Sun broke the horizon just 30 or so minutes before the 0600 start of the 100k, the first of three events in the Lost Worlds Racing, Causeway Crossing series. It would be followed with a 50k starting at 1300 in the Quarry and a 25k starting at 1530 at the final turn point in the 100k event.
Races from all over the world lined up for the start of the second edition of the Lost Worlds Causeway Crossing. Representation came from Japan, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, UK and Ireland.
Starting in Waterfoot in the Glens of Antrim, the race passed through areas of local beauty such as Larry Bane quarry, Carrick-A-Rede, the Moyle Way and the Causeway Coastline including the Giants Causeway.
As often happens, the longest event of the day always attracts the most attention, however, the 50k event certainly had some names to watch.
However, as the “3,2,1 and GO” was being uttered by race director, Tim Holmstrom, Jonny Steede flew off like a rabbit that had just been scared in headlights and really, that is the last that any runner saw of him all day… of course, they did get an opportunity to see him run back against them later in the day as he returned along the ‘Causeway’ to secure a very impressive win over his first 100k race. Jonny had recently won the Wicklow Way 51k and was a ‘hot tip’ going into this race. His time of 8:35:23 was very impressive.
Jonny Steede – copyright Ian Corless
Fast man, Dave James was over in Europe from the USA and just the weekend before Ireland had taken part in Lost Worlds Racing Tuscany event and was now on the start line for the 100k. It is worth pointing out that Dave is in Europe for several weeks. In just seven days he will be lining up against the best in the world at Transvulcania La Palma and then just two weeks later he will go to Zegama before attempting, in June, the brutal Ronda del Cims 100m mountain race in Andorra. Dave also like to race on a regular basis, but with the proximity of Transvulcania he was never going to push too hard at the Causeway Crossing. He ran a very solid second place behind a dominant Jonny Steede but by the time he arrived at the 50k point he was approximately 40 mins in arrears of the fast man up front and decided to call it a day and prepare for the next race in just a week.
Noel Brick took 2nd place after gaining some places in the latter stages of the race. When I saw him at the Giants Causeway he said he was tired and hurting but he would push on… push on he did crossing the line in 11:20:26 ahead of Ronald Peacock 11:58:10.
Local runner Hannah Shields is somewhat a legend in Irish running and she fulfilled her pre race ‘favourite’ billing by running a smart race despite some calf niggles. Always smiling, always chatting she powered her way through the 100k and not only did she win the ladies race convincingly in 12:13:33 but she also finished sixth overall.
Hannah Shields – copyright Ian Corless
Susanne Hastrup from Sweden took 2nd place in 14:10:27 and Amy Beggs (tbc – possibly Mette Kildermoes in 15:01:30) crossed the line in 15:01:30 for third making it a truly international podium.
The 50k race started at Larrybane Head Quarry (the halfway point for the 100k and finish line for all races). Runners headed out along the coast as a cold, strong wind blew in from the sea. Running around the Giants Causeway they turned at Dunluce Castle before heading back to the finish line at Larrybane Head Quarry this time via the Giants Causeway.
Hot tip and last minute entrant to the race was Scot, DR Andrew Murray. He pushed hard from the beginning of the race and gradually built an advantage over his rivals to finish in 3:55:54 in first place. He was very enthusiastic when I caught up with him, “How could you not enjoy this… it’s a beautiful coastline. I had a great day out with some great views”.
Martin Rea and Shane Whitty had a fight for second place but it was the man from North Belfast (Martin) who pushed ahead in the latter stages to cross the line in 4:07:02 with just over three minutes lead over Shane who finished in 4:10:36 for third place.
Jolene Mellon from Ireland started the race as she meant to go on and dominated the 50k event from beginning to end. She crossed the line 4 mins ahead of Col Conway, finishing times 4:49:48 and 4:53:58 respectively. Stefani Jackenthal from the USA, before the race had said how excited she was to be running on this course, she is a journalist and sports writer, so the challenging course and a solid third place will almost certainly make a feature in an up and coming article, her time 5:07:54.
Stefani Jackenthal – copyright Ian Corless
The final event of the day, the 25km started at the final turn point for the 100k and 50k races. Karen Alexander flew away from the start and never looked back… running up the climb out of the Giants Causway she made the gradient look easy. So easy that not only did she win the ladies race but the 25k race overall. Her finish time of 1:53:17 very impressive.
Karen Alexander – copyright Ian Corless
Patrick Thompson was the first male runner home in 2:00:33 taking a win in the category but ultimately was second place overall. Chris Heaney had a sprint for the line and secured third place by just 2 seconds in 2:01:09 ahead of fellow American, Kalle Kraften. Laura O’Driscoll was second in the ladies race in 2:06:45 and Helena Dornan third in 2:13:31.
RESULTS
100k
50k
25k
A portfolio of RACE PHOTOGRAPHY is available to view HERE
Images will be available to purchase from May 8th using this LINK HERE
LINKS
Thanks
To the Lost Worlds Racing staff, Ryan and Justin at NI Running and all the local hospitality and help.
A beautiful start to a day… – copyright Ian Corless
IAN CORLESS 